News Summary

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced plans to construct a $17 million marine mammal complex at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. This project aims to enhance marine mammal research and rescue efforts, featuring a pathobiology laboratory for necropsies and an administrative center. With construction expected to start in spring 2026, the facility will cater to both scientists and students, fostering collaboration over the decades. The complex comes in response to rising manatee mortality rates due to human-related factors, promising better research and rescue operational capabilities.

St. Petersburg, Florida – New Marine Mammal Complex to be Built at Eckerd College

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is set to build a new marine mammal complex at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, with a budget of $17 million. The project will include two main buildings: a pathobiology laboratory dedicated to conducting necropsies on manatees and dolphins, and an administrative center.

Construction is anticipated to commence in spring 2026, contingent upon the approval of necessary permits from the City of St. Petersburg. While detailed project plans have not yet been submitted to city officials, a permit application has already been filed by the FWC. Of the total budget, approximately $11.7 million is earmarked specifically for the construction of the new facilities, which aim to enhance marine mammal research and rescue operations.

Facility Features

The new pathobiology lab will provide additional space for conducting necropsies, which are defined as post-mortem examinations on non-human animals. This facility will also include an observation room, offering students and guests an opportunity to observe and learn about the work being performed. The complex is designed to cater to both FWC scientists and Eckerd College students, building on a collaborative relationship that has existed for over three decades.

Rising Need for Marine Mammal Research

The need for such a facility is underscored by the alarming statistics regarding manatee mortality rates. In 2024, Florida experienced 565 reported manatee deaths, with nearly 30% of these fatalities linked to human-related factors, including boat strikes and water control structures. The new complex is expected to play a key role in identifying and addressing the threats that marine mammals face.

Necropsies performed at the facility will provide critical data that help scientists assess the injuries, diseases, and other factors contributing to the deaths of marine mammals. Furthermore, this data is invaluable for wildlife managers and policymakers as it helps inform and shape local regulations based on trends observed over time.

Integration with Rescue Operations

In addition to research functions, the FWC will utilize the marine mammal complex as a staging area for manatee rescues, which often require specialized equipment and trained personnel. This enhancement in operational capabilities is expected to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of rescue missions conducted by the FWC.

Long-Term Collaboration

The planning for this complex has been in development for the past four years, highlighting the commitment of the FWC to marine mammal conservation and research. Currently, the FWC operates a laboratory on the Eckerd College campus, which has been serving both FWC scientists and college students for over thirty years.

This new construction project is not only a response to the rising numbers of manatee deaths but also represents a significant step forward in the long-term collaboration between the FWC and Eckerd College. The marine mammal complex is anticipated to advance marine studies and contribute to the ongoing efforts in preserving Florida’s marine wildlife.

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Additional Resources

• St. Pete Catalyst: New Eckerd/FWC Complex to Help Decipher Manatee Mortality
• Wikipedia: Florida Manatee
• Israel Hayom: Mysterious Whale Was Russian Military Guard Dog, Scientist Reveals
• Google Search: Marine Mammal Research
• BBC News: Latest Marine Mammal Research Updates
• Google Scholar: Marine Mammal Mortality
• Nature: Article on Marine Mammal Health
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Marine Mammals
• Florida Politics: New College Pitches Marine Mammal Grad Program
• Google News: Marine Mammal Conservation

Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER

ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.